In 2008, the European market for dental prosthetics (crowns, bridges, and dentures) was valued at nearly €8.3 billion. The European market includes Austria, Benelux, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Russia, Scandinavia, Spain, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. The global economic downturn in 2008 – 2009 is expected to slow the market growth rate however; the aging population will continue to drive the number of patients requiring dental restorations in the future.